Robbie Fowler's Brisbane Roar have caused one of the shocks of the FFA Cup after clinching a 2-0 win over reigning A-League champions Sydney FC at Leichhardt Oval on Wednesday night.
It was the Roar's first competitive match under Fowler and they produced a dogged, disciplined performance to progress to the round of 16.
"I think we put in a top performance against a really great team," Fowler said.
"We had a chat in the week, we had so much belief. We were quietly confident, we knew that we were massive underdogs but we knew that if we did the stuff that we planned to do then we would make a game out of it."
Despite impressive off-season recruitment compared to the Roar it was Sydney Sydney FC who stumbled at the first hurdle.
"Not the best of nights but we have a long pre-season now to prepare for the start of the league," Sydney FC coach Steve Corica said.
"It's good to see what they're about now, what Robbie is trying to bring to their playing style.
"I thought they were very physical tonight, gave a lot of fouls away and it broke up our play. I think that was there plan."
Brisbane Roar will now tackle Central Coast Mariners for a spot in the FFA Cup quarter-finals.
The concluding Round of 32 saw last season's top-three A-League sides all eliminated as Perth Glory fell to Western Sydney Wanderers, and Melbourne Victory were toppled by Newcastle Jets.
Wellington Phoenix crashed out against semi-professional opponents as Brisbane Strikers triumphed on penalties, leaving just six A-League clubs in the competition.
But it was former Liverpool legend Fowler in his full-time coaching debut who grabbed all the headlines with an unexpected victory on the back of goals from Stefan Mauk and Jay O'Shea at Leichhardt Oval.
"We lined up with a 16-year-old and had an 18-year-old in the midfield so to score two goals away from home against the champions, and keep a clean sheet is an epic achievement," said Fowler.
"We had a lot of belief and were quietly confident. We know we still have a lot to do so we are not getting carried away."
The match was Fowler's first as a coach other than a brief stint on an interim basis with Thailand club Muangthong United in 2011.
"People mention inexperience but I'm happy and comfortable and confident in the dug-out," Fowler added.
Fowler will now be able to pit wits against former Matildas coach Alen Stajcic who is in his first full season with the Mariners.
The last-16 draw also features two former national heavyweights up against the new breed with Marconi Stallions hosting Melbourne City, and Sydney United welcoming Western Sydney Wanderers.
THE FFA CUP ROUND OF 16 DRAW
- Brisbane Roar v Central Coast Mariners
- Moreland Zebras v Magpies Crusaders
- Adelaide Olympic v Hume City
- Brisbane Strikers v Manly United
- Marconi Stallions v Melbourne City
- Olympic FC v Adelaide United
- Edgeworth Eagles v Newcastle Jets
- Sydney United v Western Sydney Wanderers
* (Home team listed first)
** Matches to be played August 20-28
with AAP
